HUD Archives: News Releases

HUD AWARDS $24 MILLION TO HELP LOW-INCOME PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENTS SECURE HIGHER PAYING JOBSHousing Authorities in nine states will receive funding under Jobs Plus

WASHINGTON - In an effort to help low-income residents find higher-paying jobs, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced a $24 million investment for the next four years to nine public housing authorities and their partners to help residents increase their earned income and become self-sufficient. HUD's Jobs-Plus Pilot Program supports work readiness and connects public housing residents with employment, education and financial empowerment services—and it's a model proven to help public housing residents find and keep jobs. Read more about how these PHAs will put their grant funds to work.

Today in Charlotte, N.C., HUD Secretary Julián Castro announced the funding during a news conference with Mayor Dan Clodfelter, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12), and the city's Housing Authority, one of the grantees. With HUD celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Castro said part of HUD's mission is to advance opportunities for all Americans.

"Job-Plus is not just an initiative, it's a pathway to greater prosperity for folks across the nation," said Secretary Castro." "Empowering public housing residents with new economic and educational tools is good for their families and for our nation. HUD is always looking for innovative ways to help others secure new opportunities and to reach their full potential. With this funding, local public housing authorities will be able to help more Americans find employment in today's job market so they can build a better tomorrow."

HUD's Jobs-Plus Pilot Program links the housing authority system with employment and training services, new rent rules that make work pay, and neighbor-to-neighbor outreaching— demonstrating how cross-agency partnerships make a difference in the economic prospects of public housing residents. These grants will employ several principles of the Administration's Job Driven training checklist (https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/docs/skills_report.pdf) to ensure that public housing residents are connected to a program that is using evidence-based practices that work for job seekers and employers.

The Jobs-Plus Pilot Program capitalizes on a successful demonstration (www.mdrc.org/publication/jobs-plus-promising-strategy) program that combines traditional employment, training and job placement services with a rent incentive and a place-based investment in building community support for work. The program model, which requires PHAs to partner with Department of Labor American Jobs Centers, promotes initiatives to improve employment and earnings outcomes, a critical element of self-sufficiency for all families. Targeting an entire development helps residents support each other through the process.

###

HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and http://espanol.hud.gov.

You can also connect with HUD on social media and follow Secretary Castro on Twitter and Facebook or sign up for news alerts on HUD's Email List.